2004 sees the tenth year after the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo. Since then, the goals of ICPD as laid out in the Program of Action (POA) are being reached with varying degrees of success. While funding has not achieved promised targets, more organizations are taking action to implement the goals, and through, for example, the Millennium Development Goals, some of the ICPD POA is on schedule to being achieved.

This month's issue of JOICFP e-News shows how various organizations are taking further steps to ensure the goals of ICPD. NGOs are increasingly being valued for their expertise, and real partnerships among government, developmental organizations and NGOs are taking place.

In addition, read about how JOICFP projects in places such as Bangladesh and the Philippines are making real contributions to the lives of people at the grassroots. You can also read Dr. Toshio Kuroda's thought-provoking views on the current challenges with regards to world population. As well as this, there is an update on UNFPA activities.

As always, JOICFP e-News values your comments and questions. Please address any correspondence to e-news@joicfp.or.jp .